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Charred Wood Construction with Transparent Elements in a Forest Retreat

Author:
Linnea Fällman
Charred Wood Construction with Transparent Elements in a Forest Retreat
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Utilizing charred wood and transparent elements, the cabin seamlessly integrates into its forested surroundings, providing a retreat focused on solitude and ecological sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features innovative joinery techniques that eliminate the need for synthetic fasteners.
03
Integrates reflective surfaces to enhance natural light while maintaining privacy.
04
Designed with a minimal footprint to promote a stronger connection to the surrounding landscape.
05
Employs traditional wood charring methods for increased durability and aesthetics.

## Project Overview
The architectural design is situated within a forested environment, addressing the need for an escape from urban settings. The cabin, aptly named “GET OUT,” provides a retreat that emphasizes a deep connection with nature while adopting a minimalist approach. The design invites users to disengage from the complexities of modern life and rejuvenate in a tranquil setting.

## Spatial Strategy
The spatial configuration of the cabin prioritizes functionality and simplicity. Architectural drawings reveal a compact structure featuring a sloped roof that enhances openness and effective water drainage. The design intentionally minimizes the environmental footprint with carefully chosen components, blending architectural integrity with ecological considerations. The cabin serves as both shelter and a transient space that supports immersive experiences with the outdoors, offering just enough room for personal belongings while encouraging a freer engagement with the surrounding natural environment.

## Materiality and Construction
The choice of materials plays a crucial role in the cabin's function and sustainability. Primarily constructed from locally sourced wood, the cabin emphasizes warmth and connection to its environment, promoting ecological responsibility. Windows are created using plexiglass, maximizing light and visibility while maintaining a lightweight structure. Notably, traditional joinery techniques are utilized to eliminate the need for synthetic fasteners, and the foundation employs shou-sugi-ban, a method that enhances wood durability without harmful treatments. The construction methodology entails basic tools, encouraging individual craftsmanship and potential community involvement, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on sustainability and interaction with the local ecosystem.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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